The use of radiation in medicine, industry, and research benefits all of us. To assure that radiation and radioactive materials are used safely, nuclear facilities and research laboratories demand personnel who understand the many types of radiation hazards and who know how to prevent and control them. Specialized education and training is a prerequisite for becoming a professional health physicist. In order to pursue a career in health physics, you must have a basic education in physical science plus training in specific areas. To qualify for professional status, a health physicist needs at least a BS degree in science, engineering, or health science with specialized courses in physics, mathematics, chemistry, nuclear engineering, radiation biology, radiological health, and occupational health. A graduate degree in health physics is required for many professional level positions, particularly for those involving health physics research or teaching.
What do Health Physicists Do?
- Health Physics Researchers
- Environmental Health Physicists
- Health Physics Educators
- Medical Health Physicists
- Industrial and Applied Health Physicists
- Radiation Safety Officers
- Health Physics Regulators